Secretary Pompeo Travels to NATO Foreign Ministerial and the Middle East

On April 26, Mike Pompeo was confirmed and sworn in as Secretary of State. Just hours after his confirmation, he boarded a plane to embark on his first trip as Secretary of State. Secretary of State Pompeo traveled to Brussels, April 26 through April 27, and then to the Middle East to visit Riyadh, Tel Aviv, and Amman through April 30.

Brussels, Belgium

On April 27, in Brussels, the Secretary Pompeo met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and met with NATO allies discussed issues of mutual interest and preparations for July’s NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government meeting. The NATO foreign ministers met to discuss Russian aggression, the situation in Syria, and increasing the organizations role in the fight against terrorism.

Secretary Pompeo at @NATO: As our Alliance works towards the July Summit here in #Brussels, we will focus on three priorities: increasing defense spending and burden sharing; strengthening #NATO’s deterrence and defense; and countering terrorism. pic.twitter.com/oROBP2weiY

The Secretary also emphasized the importance of NATO partners meeting their financial commitments saying, “Our collective defense demands greater burden sharing. European nations must bear the necessary responsibilities for their security, and make the case to their fellow citizens why it is critical to fulfill their obligations on defense spending.” On

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

On April 28, in Riyadh, Secretary Pompeo met with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The Secretary also met with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, in Riyadh, to underscore the importance of the United States’ strong relationship with Saudi Arabia. In remarks at a press availability with the Foreign Minister, he made clear that the United States will continue to work with Saudi Arabia to counter threats to its security, including addressing Iran’s destabilizing behavior, Yemen, and countering terrorist threats in the region.

Secretary Pompeo: Saudi Arabia's security is a priority for the United States. We'll continue to work closely with our Saudi partners to counter threats to this country's security. That starts with Iran. Iran destabilizes this entire region. pic.twitter.com/2fLZQ34nvC

Secretary Pompeo: Muslim majority countries must take the lead in combatting terrorism and radicalization around the world...If we're going to conquer extremism and defeat the forces of terrorism together, I know #SaudiArabia will be at the front of it. pic.twitter.com/HZAo275STI

While in Saudi Arabia, the Secretary Spoke with reporter Jon Karl about the Korean Peace Agreement, denuclearization of Korean Peninsula, and plans for the U.S.-NorthKorea Summit. Their conversation appeared on ABC’s "This Week" on April 29.

With @JonKarl on @ThisWeekABC Secretary Pompeo underscored that our eyes are wide open as we look toward #NorthKorea talks. We’re going to negotiate tough & look for actions that demonstrate denuclearization will be achieved. Until then, the pressure campaign remains in place. https://t.co/Gx8CbBUdgG

In Tel Aviv, on April 28, the Secretary met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In joint remarks following their meeting the Secretary reiterated the United States’ commitment to achieving a lasting and comprehensive peace that offers a brighter future for both Israel and the Palestinians.

Secretary Pompeo: We remain committed to achieving a lasting and comprehensive peace that offers a brighter future for both Israel and the Palestinians. pic.twitter.com/JqUkpj5tYr

Secretary Pompo also met with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. In joint remarks with the Foreign Minister, the Secretary underscored the United States’ commitment to preserving our strong relationship and to strengthening America's longstanding support for Jordan. The Secretary also commented on Iran, the situation in Syria and thanked Jordan for its support to those displaced by the ongoing Syrian conflict.

Secretary Pompeo:We must not let #Syria again become a safe haven for ISIS or for any other terrorist group...Throughout the Syrian crisis Jordan has provided an extraordinary level of assistance to the Syrian people. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/RCORtebTWK

Secretary Pompeo: Both of our countries know the threat #Iran poses to the region. This morning we discussed how best to counter Iran's malign influence and activity in the region. And with all of our allies we've had discussions on the JCPOA. pic.twitter.com/NUrCTqAZKo